The Red Pyramid is a fantastic adventure filled with interesting characters, magic, and snarky humor. The story is told in alternating chapters by CarThe Red Pyramid is a fantastic adventure filled with interesting characters, magic, and snarky humor. The story is told in alternating chapters by Carter and Sadie and each has their own unique voice. My favorite character was Sadie because I just loved her sarcastic wit. She was quite wise for a twelve year old. I am not very familiar with Egyptian mythology although I have heard of some of the major names: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Thoth, Set, and Bast. I enjoyed reading about the various myths and mythological creatures. My favorite mythological character was Bast. She was just a lot of fun!

In between all the action and suspense the book looks at some serious themes like racial prejudice and the meaning of family. Carter looks like their father who is African-American and Sadie looks like their mother who is White. People give them strange looks when they say they are siblings and Carter has noticed as he grows older that some people are starting to regard him with suspicion. Carter's dad has always made him wear "preppy" clothes so that prejudiced people would be more likely to respect him. I am glad that Rick Riordan chose to tackle the topic of racial prejudice and I think he handles it really well. The theme of family is echoed in Carter and Sadie's relationship to each other and their parents and in the stories about the gods. Even though Carter and Sadie don't know each other very well at the beginning they grow closer throughout the book and look out for each other.

While I still prefer the Percy Jackson series, I thought The Red Pyramid was a delightful book and I look forward to reading more about Carter and Sadie's adventures as the series continues....more

The Throne of Fire has a lot of action and introduces some new important characters such as teen magician Walt Stone and the Egyptian god of fear, BesThe Throne of Fire has a lot of action and introduces some new important characters such as teen magician Walt Stone and the Egyptian god of fear, Bes. One of my favorite things about this book was Bes. He is quite a character (though I wouldn't want to see him get his ugly on!). I enjoyed getting to know more about Egyptian mythology and Ra as well as all the humor. There is also quite a bit of romance as Carter tries to connect with Zia and Sadie deals with mixed feelings about Walt and Anubis. Thankfully that is not the main focus of the book.

Carter and Sadie both experience character growth as they realize that their decisions and actions have consequences and they begin to see the sacrifices they will have to make to succeed. Carter especially deals with doubts over what is the right thing to do. I found this to be a solid sequel to The Red Pyramid and it does a good job of setting up the final book in the trilogy, The Serpent's Shadow....more

I first read this book as a teenager who couldn't get enough of the Star Wars universe. I was curious when I saw that the book was being reissued in aI first read this book as a teenager who couldn't get enough of the Star Wars universe. I was curious when I saw that the book was being reissued in a 20th Anniversary edition and I decided to read it again to see if it would stand the test of time. Thankfully it did. I don't know if it was the passage of time or listening to the book on audio but I thoroughly enjoyed rereading Heir to the Empire. For fans of the original movies, Timothy Zahn does a great job in capturing the film characters in his book. It is not just a rehash of the same story five years later however. The standout part of the book was the creation of super-villain Grand Admiral Thrawn. He is shrewd and intelligent and has more depth than the average Star Wars villain. He reminded me of an evil version of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. There are also some interesting "gray area" characters like smuggler Talon Karrde and Mara Jade that add to the complexity of the story.

I am an incredibly picky audio book listener and I was mostly pleased with this one aside from a couple of annoying voices for minor characters. The unabridged audio book is read by Marc Thompson who does a fantastic job with most of the voices. His portrayals of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker sound a lot like the film characters. The addition of sound effects and excerpts from the movie soundtracks at emotional or action driven moments added to the listening experience for me. For those looking for all the additional footnotes and information in the 20th Anniversary Edition book-they are not on the audio book but have to be purchased as a separate audio. I did take a look at the e-book and print versions (I checked them out from the library for comparison) and while I liked learning some of the facts in the footnotes, it wasn't as important for me as the actual story and I could do without it.

Overall, I thought that this was an excellent listening experience and just as much fun to read the second time around. Now they need to release unabridged audio editions of the other books in the trilogy! If you are a fan of the original Star Wars films and haven't tried any of the books, this would be the series I would suggest. I only wish it wasn't too late to make it into a movie with Timothy Zahn writing the script......more

Bloodlines is in some ways very different from the Vampire Academy books. For one thing, the main character is a human. Sydney is not super strong andBloodlines is in some ways very different from the Vampire Academy books. For one thing, the main character is a human. Sydney is not super strong and skilled in physical combat. She is more of a calm intellectual. In contrast, Rose was the kind of character who took action first. Sydney shows fear and uncertainty and it is a little easier to relate to her because of this. At times, her lack of faith in herself was annoying but I understood that she acts that way because of her unfortunate upbringing. It is nice to see her grow more confident through her interactions with Jill, Eddie, Adrian, and others. Another difference between this series and the VA series is the lack of romance for the main character. Sydney grew up training as an Alchemist and had no time to pursue romance. She also has slim pickings as she is averse to dating vampires. There are hints at future romance for Sydney down the road but fans of the steamy and stormy romance between Dimitri and Rose may be disappointed.

While Bloodlines is different, it also brings back some characters. It was great to read about Adrian and Eddie again and there were even cameo appearances from Rose and Abe. (For those who miss Dimitri, he has a very tiny cameo and will be back for the sequel.) I found myself liking Adrian more than ever in this book. There are some new characters introduced including Sydney's sister Zoe who I think will have a role in later books and another Alchemist, Keith Darnell. I liked learning more about the Alchemists though I didn't find their world as fascinating as the Moroi and dhampir. Just like the original series, Bloodlines is packed with action and plot twists. While I was able to guess some of the twists, I was also surprised by some things. There are some new revelations that will impact the series going forward. I had some reservations about Bloodlines at first but in the end I was very pleased with it and can't wait to read The Golden Lily....more

Raised by Wolves presents a unique take on werewolf fiction by having a human protagonist who is part of the pack. Bryn is smart, resourceful, and strRaised by Wolves presents a unique take on werewolf fiction by having a human protagonist who is part of the pack. Bryn is smart, resourceful, and strong, though not physically strong compared to the rest of the pack. She thinks like a Were rather than a human teenager which makes her seem more like an adult at times. She can also be reckless and impatient, like a teen. Her human adoptive mother tries to give Bryn a normal life as much as possible but Bryn is still very different. I liked Bryn's character most of the time though she is rather stubborn. It is great to see Bryn grow over the course of the story as she deals with painful revelations and discoveries.

I liked the other characters particularly Devon for his sense of humor, Lake for her bravery and quirky love of weapons, and Ali for her fierce protectiveness towards Bryn and the others. I liked Callum up to a point and then felt that he let Bryn down. Chase is the love interest for Bryn but I didn't care for the romance. It felt forced and manufactured though Bryn is not the simpering type thankfully and the romance is not the focus of the story. It is just part of the catalyst for change. To enjoy this book means buying into the world that Barnes creates with all its pack laws. I found the politics to be interesting and liked how Bryn wasn't afraid to take on the Werewolf Senate. My one issue with the book is an event that occurs where Bryn is treated as a Were rather than a human and betrayed by those who should protect her. Bryn thinks of herself as a human Were and it takes Ali to bring that realistic perspective to Bryn on how she should be treated.

Overall I thought this was a fantastic beginning to the series. I like this concept of Weres and also liked the mystery. It was the character of Bryn that really sold me on this series. I'd consider this to be the best werewolf series I've read because it isn't a romance and the characters grow throughout the series and there is plenty of action and suspense as well. I think fans of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series would appreciate this book....more

Bryn is a strong protagonist but not without flaws and weaknesses. Bryn is definitely the product of the environment she was raised in. While Ali didBryn is a strong protagonist but not without flaws and weaknesses. Bryn is definitely the product of the environment she was raised in. While Ali did her best to raise Bryn in a human way, she still thinks like a wolf though she isn't one. It is a harsh world she is part of but she doesn't flinch away from it. Bryn has learned a lot and she shows a new level of leadership and determination here. We are also given some insight into Ali's past. The existence of psychics with special "knacks" also adds to the mystery. The new character Caroline reminded me a little of Jane from the Twilight Saga though her abilities are different and she isn't a pure villain. I hope we see more of Caroline and the others in the future, especially Jed who has a special connection with Bryn.

While this book has a lot of action it also examines tough questions about what it means to be in a position of leadership and put others' welfare before your own. The romance also necessarily takes a backseat to the suspense. Bryn and Chase have a steady relationship free of emotional drama/love triangles which is a pleasant change from other YA paranormal fiction.

Overall while I like the first book more, I thought this was still a solid sequel to Raised By Wolves. Trial By Fire raises the stakes in a suspenseful story with some surprising twists. ...more

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is not a fairy tale though Elissa is a princess. It is also not a quest story. It is instead a fantasy novel that took meThe Girl of Fire and Thorns is not a fairy tale though Elissa is a princess. It is also not a quest story. It is instead a fantasy novel that took me by surprise with its world building, political intrigue, magic, and character development. There is romance too but it isn't the main point of the story which I really appreciated. There are plenty of plot twists that were unexpected too.

Elissa really grows as a character from the girl with zero self confidence into a true leader. She does have an issue with her weight for much of the book but to me those negative thoughts made her character more real. She also grows out of that self-hate which was really nice to see. All along she displays her intelligence though she doesn't seem to value herself at first. It takes her awhile but she is able to put her knowledge of military strategy to good use and she learns how to work within the politics at court. As a heroine, Elissa can be brave but she also has weaknesses and she isn't perfect. She relies on others as well as on her own strength.

Overall I thought this was one of the best books I read in 2011. I liked the character development but I also enjoyed the world that Rae Carson created and the discussion of faith and belief in yourself. While Elissa is a pretty religious person, this is not Christian fiction by any means. I look forward to finding out more about Elissa and the Godstone in the next book, The Crown of Embers, which was just released.

Readalikes: Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (because of the political intrigue), Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder...more

Nora may come from a privileged class but she proves to be capable of handling difficult situations. At the same time she isn't strong to the point thNora may come from a privileged class but she proves to be capable of handling difficult situations. At the same time she isn't strong to the point that she has no fears or doesn't need help sometimes. Nora is grieving the loss of her dad which left her an orphan. Then she uncovers some major secrets that turn her world upside down. It understandably takes some time for Nora to adjust to these changes but with the help of Bram and her other new friends both human and zombie, Nora is strong enough to deal with it.

Bram is a fantastic character. His story is a sad one but he has a good sense of humor and a good heart. He is a great leader for the other members of Company Z. The romance between Bram and Nora develops slowly which is understandable but she quickly comes to trust him when she sees that he is honorable and kind. Though their romance may be doomed, Nora and Bram do not mope over it-they are too busy fighting the bad guys and rescuing friends. I also liked Pam, Nora's best friend and the one living person who seems to genuinely care about her. Pam at first is shy as someone from a lower class than Nora but she proves that she has courage and determination too.

Describing Dearly, Departed as a story of star-crossed love or a zombie romance would not do it justice. Lia Habel's debut features plenty of action, interesting characters, humor, and solid world building. I thought the author did an excellent job in depicting life in New Victoria and the politics and history behind it as well as "The Laz". She also convincingly portrays the zombies in a way that makes them "human" and readers come to care about these characters just as much as the living ones. The story is told from multiple points of view which at first seemed odd but it does give the reader a better understanding of the major players. Overall I think this is one of the best YA debuts I've read this year and it is a unique take on zombie fiction. Dearly, Departed has been described as steampunk but it isn't actually steampunk though it does have that feel to it so steampunk readers might like it. I would suggest this to fans of The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross, to those who enjoy the zombie fiction of Carrie Ryan, or to fans of YA paranormal romance in general.

Readalikes: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross, The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (modern societies living by historic values)...more

Percy Jackson may be missing but there is plenty of adventure, danger, and Rick Riordan's trademark humor in this book. I wasn't sure that I would likPercy Jackson may be missing but there is plenty of adventure, danger, and Rick Riordan's trademark humor in this book. I wasn't sure that I would like a new set of characters as much as the originals but the author's decision to write from multiple points of view really works to distinguish Jason and Leo from Percy. I also loved how conflicted the characters were. All three of them had insecurities, doubts, and flaws, as well as strengths. That made them more likable as characters that the reader could root for.

The addition of Roman mythology to the story really made things interesting. I didn't find it hard to figure out the surprise about Jason's past but that didn't bother me. I found myself thoroughly entertained as I read. One thing that I particularly liked was the friendships of the characters and seeing them grow more confident. As much fun as the story was, it was the characters that really stood out to me. I also have to mention that I am glad to see a greater racial diversity in Rick Riordan's characters both in this series and the Kane Chronicles.

If you are a fan of the original series, I think you will be pleased with this sequel. Overall I think this series will be a worthy successor to the Percy Jackson books and I look forward to reading more about Jason, Piper, and Leo (as well as Percy and Annabeth) in future books. ...more

I found this book to be more enjoyable than The Lost Hero because Percy is back as one of the main characters. We also get to see glimpses of Grover aI found this book to be more enjoyable than The Lost Hero because Percy is back as one of the main characters. We also get to see glimpses of Grover and Annabeth as well as Tyson. I enjoyed the introduction of two other main characters, Frank and Hazel. Frank is a favorite new character in the series and I was surprised by the identity of his godly parent-not at all what I was expecting and kind of funny. I think young readers will be inspired by Frank's growing courage and relate to his insecurities. Hazel also has had a lot of hardships in her life and shows strength and bravery. It is nice to see imperfect characters who grow and find their place.

The addition of Roman mythology to the mix was fascinating. I never knew that there were differences between Greek and Roman mythology beyond the different names for the gods. I did find Percy's amnesia to be annoying after awhile though it does serve a purpose. Frank and Hazel's stories helped to make up for it as did the humor. Some of my favorite scenes involved Percy's continuing fight with Medusa's sisters (who work at a Bargain Mart). The alternating viewpoints work much better here because readers will already be familiar with Percy. It also gives insight into the new characters.

Overall I was really pleased with this sequel. It advances the overarching story line and entertains the reader at the same time. In The Son of Neptune, we see some of the brilliance of the original series. I can't wait to read The Mark of Athena. ...more

The Hobbit is now considered a prequel to The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien later changed the story to match the events in The Lord of the Rings and hThe Hobbit is now considered a prequel to The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien later changed the story to match the events in The Lord of the Rings and how Bilbo came to find the ring in Gollum's cave. I loved The Lord of the Rings when I read it in 2001-2002 and I read it before I read The Hobbit. I think that is the reason that my expectations were not met the first time I read it in 2002. I was expecting a story more similar to The Lord of the Rings in tone, with an epic feel. Instead it is more lighthearted. I felt disappointed and decided that I didn't like the book. Well with the upcoming film adaptation by Peter Jackson, I thought it would be a good time to reread the story. This time, my reaction was quite different!

Ten years after my first reading, I was able to appreciate the story as it was. I loved the character of Bilbo Baggins and could relate to him perhaps better than I could relate to Frodo. Like Bilbo, I am a person who likes a quiet life and dreams of adventure from the safety of my home! I liked how Bilbo grew over the course of his adventure and became this unwitting hero. I also loved how Gandalf believed in him and saw what he was capable of.

It was interesting to learn more about the dwarves of Middle Earth and their history. Thorin is something of a complex character. At times I admired him and at times I was annoyed with him, particularly his decisions that nearly led to war.

I enjoyed the humor particularly from the scene with the trolls and I loved the scenes where Bilbo meets Gollum and they have the riddle contest. The story may not have the epic good vs. evil themes of The Lord of the Rings but there is still adventure to be found and some deeper meaning. The book explores the themes of greed, revenge, and holding onto the past as well as having courage and wisdom and stepping out of your comfort zone.

I look forward to rereading The Hobbit and getting more from the story with each reread and I look forward to rereading The Lord of the Rings and having a deeper appreciation for Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves....more

Matched is a blend of utopian fiction and romance. The world building is very detailed and well done. Ally Condie does an excellent job of giving readMatched is a blend of utopian fiction and romance. The world building is very detailed and well done. Ally Condie does an excellent job of giving readers a sense of the world in which Cassia lives. For some this level of detail might be too much. The story doesn't have the intensity of more action oriented dystopian/utopian fiction like The Hunger Games but I enjoyed being able to fully explore the society and its rules. Cassia is an intelligent young woman who has been raised to not question the Officials. She is prepared to accept whoever they pick for her future husband and to go along with their other choices for her so she will have a pleasant life. Cassia is inspired to change however by her grandfather, Ky, and in some way also by her parents. Cassia is genuinely torn between Xander and Ky but the book does not dwell overly much on this and it is quickly clear who she will choose.

While romance is a part of this story and her Match is a catalyst for change the bulk of the novel focuses on the concept of free will. In the world in which Cassia lives, the Officials have limited culture and history to the 100 best poems, works of art, history lessons, etc. Everything else is thrown away and libraries are demolished. Cassia's grandfather has an illegal poem that he shares with her: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas. The poem is used very effectively throughout the book. I love how Cassia and Ky use poetry to stay motivated in the face of troubles. Cassia decides that no matter what happens, she will not "go gentle" but instead she will fight for what she wants. Fans of utopian/dystopian fiction will likely enjoy Matched and eagerly anticipate the sequel.

Readalikes: The Giver by Lois Lowry, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, Inside Out by Maria Snyder...more

Crossed has a different feel when compared to Matched. The story takes place largely outside of The Society on the edges and there is the constant thrCrossed has a different feel when compared to Matched. The story takes place largely outside of The Society on the edges and there is the constant threat of danger and a struggle to survive. Another change is that Crossed is written from both Cassia and Ky's perspectives in alternating chapters. What I liked about this change is that we could learn more about Ky and gain a better understanding of his personality. Some of his past is revealed and it is very sad. I sometimes preferred his chapters to Cassia's. New characters were also introduced and one in particular appears to have secrets. Indie, one of these new characters, is a nice foil for Cassia as she is an assertive and independent girl with an "act now, think later" attitude.

Something else I liked about Crossed was that we finally get to see that there are people who did not blindly follow The Society like little sheep. In Matched it seemed like everyone went along with the rules but now we see the history and that there was a group protesting the changes. When I read the first book, I couldn't help but wonder why no one protested the ridiculous rules and way of life when it was first implemented (by now the younger generations are brainwashed into accepting it) but now I see that people did protest. The majority of those who grew up in The Society like Cassia, never knew about the dissenters because it was hushed up and the people involved were either killed or they escaped. I am eager to find out more about the uprising and who the leader is.

Just like with Matched, there are literary references throughout Crossed. The book takes its name from the poem Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Crossing The Bar is used as a code for those seeking to join the uprising as the Pilot is believed to refer to the leader. It also refers to the characters crossing to safety. The importance of poetry, art, and music is woven throughout the novel. The Society places more value on technology and productivity rather than creativity but people still long for that. There is even a black market where you can trade poems to get what you want. This theme seems to be a strong pro-arts message that resonates today with budget cuts leading to schools eliminating or reducing art and music programs.

Overall I think Crossed is a good sequel to Matched though I had some issues with it. There are parts of the story that seemed too slow and at other times I wanted more explanation, particularly about the rebellion, but it wasn't provided. I suppose that I will have to wait for the answers in book three. I was also annoyed by the love triangle though Xander is not present for most of the novel. I know that this will be resolved in the final book so it is just a slight problem. I liked that Cassia is becoming more determined and starting to think for herself though she does still have her moments. I also liked the increased action and suspense in the plot. Crossed may not have the excellent world building of Matched but it does a nice job of developing the characters and setting up the story for its conclusion which I am sure will be thrilling.

I first read this book in my pre-blogging days and I'd decided to pick it up because of the movie adaptation. Though I ended up disappointed with theI first read this book in my pre-blogging days and I'd decided to pick it up because of the movie adaptation. Though I ended up disappointed with the movie, I loved this book and the rest of the books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. With the second movie coming out later this year (it will hopefully be better than the first), I decided to reread the series.

I remember that when I first read this book I wasn't sure I would like it. I thought maybe it would be too much of a "kid book" to hold my attention or too similar to the Harry Potter books to have any originality. I am glad I was proven wrong! While I think this book would appeal to fans of Harry Potter, it is not a copy cat by any means. I also found it to be entertaining, educational, and really funny.

The idea of blending Greek mythology with the modern world really appealed to me. I enjoyed learning more about the myths and the world of Camp Half-Blood. I also really liked the characters. Percy is an ordinary preteen who finds out he is a demigod and that he has access to all these untapped powers. Percy comes across as a genuine character that I think kids and teens could relate to because while he is dealing with monsters and quests he also has real world problems like family drama. He has flaws as well as strengths and he shows some growth especially in dealing with some difficult losses and betrayals.

The Lightning Thief is a quick read and I think it appeals to readers on multiple levels as an adventure story with humor, magic, and great characters. I think fans of Harry Potter would particularly enjoy it....more

Percy Jackson may be missing but there is plenty of adventure, danger, and Rick Riordan's trademark humor in this book. I wasn't sure that I would likPercy Jackson may be missing but there is plenty of adventure, danger, and Rick Riordan's trademark humor in this book. I wasn't sure that I would like a new set of characters as much as the originals but the author's decision to write from multiple points of view really works to distinguish Jason and Leo from Percy. I also loved how conflicted the characters were. All three of them had insecurities, doubts, and flaws, as well as strengths. That made them more likable as characters that the reader could root for.

The addition of Roman mythology to the story really made things interesting. I didn't find it hard to figure out the surprise about Jason's past but that didn't bother me. I found myself thoroughly entertained as I read. One thing that I particularly liked was the friendships of the characters and seeing them grow more confident. As much fun as the story was, it was the characters that really stood out to me. I also have to mention that I am glad to see a greater racial diversity in Rick Riordan's characters both in this series and the Kane Chronicles.

If you are a fan of the original series, I think you will be pleased with this sequel. Overall I think this series will be a worthy successor to the Percy Jackson books and I look forward to reading more about Jason, Piper, and Leo (as well as Percy and Annabeth) in future books. ...more